Taking food through airport security: This is allowed

Whoever wants to take food through the security check at the airport must pay close attention. Because many foods are not allowed and are mercilessly taken out of the luggage. We show what the security personnel look out for and what you are allowed to take with you.

Taking food through security

You can put as much food and drink as you like in your checked baggage. In some countries, however, customs regulations govern what can actually be brought into the country. The rules for hand luggage at the security checkpoint, on the other hand, are much stricter.

• Caution is advised with all liquids in hand luggage. Security staff are very strict: creams, spreads and similar light liquid foods are also taboo. So you’ll have to do without liverwurst and Nutella.

• Solid foods can be taken to the gate and onto the plane without any problems. This includes fruit, vegetables, bread, biscuits and chocolate. Make sure that no liquid products are included as a filling or spread.

• Drinks are not allowed – whether it’s a smoothie bottle, unopened can of cola or a bottle of water.

Tips & Tricks: getting food and drink through security

You don’t have to go completely without food at the gate and on the plane. You can carry the following food in your hand luggage.

• 100ml products: You are allowed to fill a transparent 1-litre bag with liquid or semi-liquid products that have a maximum capacity of 100ml. Fortunately, Nutella comes in 15g packs.

• Duty-Free: Any products you buy in the duty-free zone of the airport you are also allowed to take through security. They must be in the sealed security bag. But note that you are not allowed to bring unlimited alcohol into other countries.

• Empty bottle: You may take an empty bottle through security, but not a full one. However, you can refill the bottle behind the security check. However, you should only do this at airports in countries that have high drinking water standards.

• Souvenirs: If you are only travelling with hand luggage and want to take Nutella as a souvenir, for example, the duty-free shop is again a good choice. Nutella costs more there, but it also goes through the checkpoint.

• Baby food & Medicines: The ban on liquids does not apply to baby food. However, you must actually be travelling with a baby – otherwise security staff will confiscate the baby food. Medicines in hand luggage are also fine, but in some cases you will be asked for a prescription.

• Children: If you are travelling with children, you can take more with you, because your child is also entitled to a 1-litre bag for liquids. They can use the space in the bag for food.